Tear gas: Effects and what it does to the human body

A plain-clothed police officer fires teargas to disperse Azimio la Umoja supporters during anti-government protests in Nairobi on March 20, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Types of tear gas

1. Several different compounds are considered to be riot control agents. The most common compounds are:
2. Chloroacetophenone (CN)
3. Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS).
4. Others include chloropicrin (PS), which is also used as a fumigant (that is, a substance that uses fumes to disinfect an area);
5. Bromobenzylcyanide (CA);
6. Dibenzoxazepine (CR) and combinations of various agents.

Use of tear gas in crowd control

1. The amount of tear gas used depends on the nature of the riot.
2. Police officers are usually given a certain number of canisters and the remaining ones are taken back to the station
3. The use of teargas during protests is controlled by a riot commander who directs when and where to fire the smoke grenades.
4. Expert manuals dictate that teargas canisters should be fired at 45-degree angles upwards and from a distance of 360 feet. But in unpredictable riot environments, these regulations are disregarded as officers are forced to fire from shoulder level.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga's vehicle shrouded in teargas as he leaves Serena Hotel on March 20, 2023. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The policing norms in Kenya